Health

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide
(January 2015)
OVC, 182 pages, NCJ 247813.
The 2015 NCVRW Resource Guide, released ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, highlights this year’s theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims. The Guide includes a wide array of user-friendly outreach tools and sample products, a Theme DVD, current statistics on victimization, information on the history of victims’ rights in the United States, and concrete, practical ideas for engaging your community and empowering victims. Hardcopy versions of this year's Guide, which can be ordered through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at www.ncjrs.gov, include Introductory Materials and NCVRW Resource Guide Artwork.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

A Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
(December 2014)
OVC, NCJ 248443.
This seven-video series and companion resource guide feature Native programs and practices that incorporate cultural stories and traditions to help children, families, and communities in Indian Country to heal from substance abuse-related trauma.
HTML

Responding to Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault
(June 2014)
OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 243903.
Transgender victims of sexual assault, like all crime victims, want and deserve to be respected, heard, believed, served, and supported. This user-friendly guide offers practical tools to promote understanding and support of transgender victims, whether you are a health care provider, law enforcement officer, emergency medical personnel, advocate, therapist, or support group facilitator. Learn how you can be a source of support and care for individuals in this high-risk population.
Abstract
| HTML

Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma
(April 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394.
This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video and public awareness posters are available for download.
Abstract
| HTML

Break the Silence: Sexual Assault and the SART Solution
(June 2013)
OVC-Sponsored, 0 pages, NCJ 243297.
This online video is designed to help in the creation a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and can be used to educate other potential members, management, and the community on how SARTs can provide improved response to victims of sexual assault and increased offender conviction rates. Recognizing the severity, complexity and impact of sexual assault in Indian Country and rural areas, the video can be used by Native American and rural SARTs to make their respective communities aware of an existing SART program and its value.
Abstract
| HTML

OJP Publications

Socio-Emotional Impact of Violent Crime
(September 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 30 pages, NCJ 247076.
Examines victims' socio-emotional problems resulting from violent crime, including moderate to severe distress, problems with family or friend relationships, or problems at work or school. The report explores the relationship between the socio-emotional response to crime and the characteristics of the victim and the incident, such as the victim-offender relationship, injury, weapon use, and demographic characteristics. It examines the emotional and physical symptoms associated with socio-emotional problems, and the association between victim help-seeking behaviors and the experience of socio-emotional problems.

Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse
(July 2014)
OJJDP, Portable Guide, OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse, 28 pages, NCJ 243908.
This guide provides information about the many indicators of child maltreatment and abuse to help first responders and investigators differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury.

Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams and VAWA 2005: Payment Practices, Successes, and Directions for the Future
(April 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 230 pages, NCJ 247314.
The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 requires that sexual assault victims must not be required to file law enforcement reports in order to receive free exams. This study aimed to examine how states are meeting these goals. We found victim compensation funds are by far the largest funder of exams across the country. In the 19 jurisdictions included in case studies, victims generally received free exams without having to report if they did not want to. However, barriers to even accessing the exam prevent some victims from seeking help.
Abstract
| PDF

Delivery and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic (SAFE) Training Programs
(March 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 240 pages, NCJ 247081.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) SAFE training programs. The study found that the IAFN SAFE training curriculum and blended training model offer a strong foundation that can be built upon to meet the diverse learning needs of clinicians across the country.
Abstract
| PDF

Evaluating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programs
(July 2013)
NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 241930.
This article discusses the efforts of Michigan State University researchers to develop a toolkit that SANE programs can use to evaluate how they affect the prosecution of sexual assault cases in their communities and explains how to implement the user-friendly toolkit. It also offers ideas for using the findings to improve practice and enhance a program's positive impact on the reporting, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

OVC-Funded Resources

9/11 Remembrance: Resources Compiled by OVCThis section of the OVC site contains a list of government and nonprofit organizations, programs, publications, and events related to September 11th and victims of terrorism. Created for the observance of the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, these resources continue to provide useful information and assistance to victim service professionals and the public.

ChildVictimWebChildVictimWeb is a free online training resource designed for professionals from all disciplines who work with children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence. This course describes the prevalence and characteristics of different forms of victimization often experienced in childhood, their psychological, behavioral, social, and health consequences, and implications for practice. Assessment strategies, an evidence-based approach to treatment planning, trauma-informed case management skills, and information about evidence supported treatments are presented.

National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC): CyberbullyingThe National Crime Prevention Council, through funding from OVC, offers resources including fact sheets and four podcasts about general cyberbullying information, taking action in schools, creating community change, and how teens feel about cyberbullying.

National Network of Hospital-based Violence Intervention ProgramsViolence is preventable, and trauma centers and emergency rooms have a golden moment of opportunity at the hospital bedside to engage with a victim of violence and to stop the cycle of violence. The Network's purpose is to strengthen existing programs and help develop similar programs in communities across the country.

Federal Resources

September 11th Victim Compensation FundThe September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has been reinstated and will provide compensation for any individual (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes. On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-347) which expands the pool of applicants eligible for the Fund to include individuals who experienced injuries associated with the attacks or subsequent debris removal.
The VCF site allows users to obtain a list of the kinds of documents and information needed in order to process claims; register for the VCF online, the first step in submitting your claim; fill out an online eligibility form to determine VCF eligibility; submit a claim online; and review Frequently Asked Questions.

World Trade Center Health ProgramThis program monitors, screens, treats and supports responders who responded to the disaster site at the World Trade Center in New York City and who may have been affected physically or mentally by their service. The site is designed to provide information related to all aspects of the World Trade Center Health Program, to highlight new developments in the program as they occur, and to help individuals find information of particular interest for them.

Non-Governmental Resources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)AACAP offers information as a public service, distributing fact sheets for parents and caregivers and research and guidelines for psychiatric staff. The Web site offers articles for helping children cope with trauma, stress, and disasters. Information is also available in Spanish.

Center for Public RepresentationThe Center for Public Representation seeks to improve the quality of lives of people with mental illness and other disabilities through the systemic enforcement of their legal rights while promoting improvements in services for citizens with disabilities.

Children Exposed to Violence Evidence-Based Programs DatabaseThe Children Exposed to Violence (CEV) Database section of the Safe Start Center Web site highlights programs evaluated on the Department of Justice's CrimeSolutions.gov Web site. The database uses rigorous research to inform practitioners and policy makers about what works in services for children exposed to violence.

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF)The mission of ICISF is to provide leadership, education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities worldwide.

On Apr 23 2014 at 2:00PM, Dr David Corwin, President of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, Professor in Pediatrics Department at University of Utah, and Dr James Henry, Cofounder and Project Director for the Western Michigan University (WMU) Children's Trauma Assessment Center, hosted a discussion on Implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences for Practitioners

On Apr 15 2014 at 2:00PM, Sally Laskey, Director of Special Projects for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, and Chris Newlin, M.S., L.P.C., Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center, hosted a discussion on CACs and SARTs Partnering for Sexual Violence Victims

On Mar 12 2014 at 2:00PM, Steve Dakai, Director of Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, and Program Manager for the Menominee Indian Tri, and Lydia Watts, Deputy Director of the District of Columbia Access to Justice Commission, hosted a discussion on Addressing the Holistic Needs of Crime Victims

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication or Cognitive Disabilities Training Kit, NCJ 234678?The Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims wit...
Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211619?The First Response to Victims of Crime DVD, NCJ 211619, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec...
Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) First Response to Victims of Crime Guidebook, NCJ 231171?The First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers, NCJ 231171, which ...
Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr...
Read More

Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

2015 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide
(January 2015)
OVC, 182 pages, NCJ 247813.
The 2015 NCVRW Resource Guide, released ahead of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, highlights this year’s theme, Engaging Communities. Empowering Victims. The Guide includes a wide array of user-friendly outreach tools and sample products, a Theme DVD, current statistics on victimization, information on the history of victims’ rights in the United States, and concrete, practical ideas for engaging your community and empowering victims. Hardcopy versions of this year's Guide, which can be ordered through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at www.ncjrs.gov, include Introductory Materials and NCVRW Resource Guide Artwork.
Abstract
| PDF | HTML

A Circle of Healing for Native Children Endangered by Drugs
(December 2014)
OVC, NCJ 248443.
This seven-video series and companion resource guide feature Native programs and practices that incorporate cultural stories and traditions to help children, families, and communities in Indian Country to heal from substance abuse-related trauma.
HTML

Responding to Transgender Victims of Sexual Assault
(June 2014)
OVC, Electronic Document, 0 pages, NCJ 243903.
Transgender victims of sexual assault, like all crime victims, want and deserve to be respected, heard, believed, served, and supported. This user-friendly guide offers practical tools to promote understanding and support of transgender victims, whether you are a health care provider, law enforcement officer, emergency medical personnel, advocate, therapist, or support group facilitator. Learn how you can be a source of support and care for individuals in this high-risk population.
Abstract
| HTML

Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma
(April 2014)
OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394.
This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video and public awareness posters are available for download.
Abstract
| HTML

Break the Silence: Sexual Assault and the SART Solution
(June 2013)
OVC-Sponsored, 0 pages, NCJ 243297.
This online video is designed to help in the creation a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and can be used to educate other potential members, management, and the community on how SARTs can provide improved response to victims of sexual assault and increased offender conviction rates. Recognizing the severity, complexity and impact of sexual assault in Indian Country and rural areas, the video can be used by Native American and rural SARTs to make their respective communities aware of an existing SART program and its value.
Abstract
| HTML

OJP Publications

Socio-Emotional Impact of Violent Crime
(September 2014)
BJS, Report, BJS Special Reports, 30 pages, NCJ 247076.
Examines victims' socio-emotional problems resulting from violent crime, including moderate to severe distress, problems with family or friend relationships, or problems at work or school. The report explores the relationship between the socio-emotional response to crime and the characteristics of the victim and the incident, such as the victim-offender relationship, injury, weapon use, and demographic characteristics. It examines the emotional and physical symptoms associated with socio-emotional problems, and the association between victim help-seeking behaviors and the experience of socio-emotional problems.
Part Of the BJS Special Reports SeriesAbstract
| PDF | TEXT

Recognizing When a Child's Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse
(July 2014)
OJJDP, Portable Guide, OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse, 28 pages, NCJ 243908.
This guide provides information about the many indicators of child maltreatment and abuse to help first responders and investigators differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury.
Part Of the OJJDP Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse SeriesAbstract
| PDF

Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams and VAWA 2005: Payment Practices, Successes, and Directions for the Future
(April 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 230 pages, NCJ 247314.
The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 requires that sexual assault victims must not be required to file law enforcement reports in order to receive free exams. This study aimed to examine how states are meeting these goals. We found victim compensation funds are by far the largest funder of exams across the country. In the 19 jurisdictions included in case studies, victims generally received free exams without having to report if they did not want to. However, barriers to even accessing the exam prevent some victims from seeking help.
Abstract
| PDF

Delivery and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic (SAFE) Training Programs
(March 2014)
NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 240 pages, NCJ 247081.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) SAFE training programs. The study found that the IAFN SAFE training curriculum and blended training model offer a strong foundation that can be built upon to meet the diverse learning needs of clinicians across the country.
Abstract
| PDF

Evaluating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programs
(July 2013)
NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 241930.
This article discusses the efforts of Michigan State University researchers to develop a toolkit that SANE programs can use to evaluate how they affect the prosecution of sexual assault cases in their communities and explains how to implement the user-friendly toolkit. It also offers ideas for using the findings to improve practice and enhance a program's positive impact on the reporting, investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.
Part Of the NIJ Journal SeriesAbstract
| PDF | HTML

Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

9/11 Remembrance: Resources Compiled by OVCThis section of the OVC site contains a list of government and nonprofit organizations, programs, publications, and events related to September 11th and victims of terrorism. Created for the observance of the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, these resources continue to provide useful information and assistance to victim service professionals and the public.

ChildVictimWebChildVictimWeb is a free online training resource designed for professionals from all disciplines who work with children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence. This course describes the prevalence and characteristics of different forms of victimization often experienced in childhood, their psychological, behavioral, social, and health consequences, and implications for practice. Assessment strategies, an evidence-based approach to treatment planning, trauma-informed case management skills, and information about evidence supported treatments are presented.

National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC): CyberbullyingThe National Crime Prevention Council, through funding from OVC, offers resources including fact sheets and four podcasts about general cyberbullying information, taking action in schools, creating community change, and how teens feel about cyberbullying.

National Network of Hospital-based Violence Intervention ProgramsViolence is preventable, and trauma centers and emergency rooms have a golden moment of opportunity at the hospital bedside to engage with a victim of violence and to stop the cycle of violence. The Network's purpose is to strengthen existing programs and help develop similar programs in communities across the country.

Federal Resources

September 11th Victim Compensation FundThe September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) has been reinstated and will provide compensation for any individual (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who suffered physical harm or was killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001, or the debris removal efforts that took place in the immediate aftermath of those crashes. On January 2, 2011, President Obama signed into law the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-347) which expands the pool of applicants eligible for the Fund to include individuals who experienced injuries associated with the attacks or subsequent debris removal.
The VCF site allows users to obtain a list of the kinds of documents and information needed in order to process claims; register for the VCF online, the first step in submitting your claim; fill out an online eligibility form to determine VCF eligibility; submit a claim online; and review Frequently Asked Questions.

World Trade Center Health ProgramThis program monitors, screens, treats and supports responders who responded to the disaster site at the World Trade Center in New York City and who may have been affected physically or mentally by their service. The site is designed to provide information related to all aspects of the World Trade Center Health Program, to highlight new developments in the program as they occur, and to help individuals find information of particular interest for them.

Non-Governmental Resources

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)AACAP offers information as a public service, distributing fact sheets for parents and caregivers and research and guidelines for psychiatric staff. The Web site offers articles for helping children cope with trauma, stress, and disasters. Information is also available in Spanish.

Center for Public RepresentationThe Center for Public Representation seeks to improve the quality of lives of people with mental illness and other disabilities through the systemic enforcement of their legal rights while promoting improvements in services for citizens with disabilities.

Children Exposed to Violence Evidence-Based Programs DatabaseThe Children Exposed to Violence (CEV) Database section of the Safe Start Center Web site highlights programs evaluated on the Department of Justice's CrimeSolutions.gov Web site. The database uses rigorous research to inform practitioners and policy makers about what works in services for children exposed to violence.

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF)The mission of ICISF is to provide leadership, education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities worldwide.

On Apr 23 2014 at 2:00PM, Dr David Corwin, President of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, Professor in Pediatrics Department at University of Utah, and Dr James Henry, Cofounder and Project Director for the Western Michigan University (WMU) Children's Trauma Assessment Center, hosted a discussion on Implications of Adverse Childhood Experiences for Practitioners

On Apr 15 2014 at 2:00PM, Sally Laskey, Director of Special Projects for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, and Chris Newlin, M.S., L.P.C., Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center, hosted a discussion on CACs and SARTs Partnering for Sexual Violence Victims

On Mar 12 2014 at 2:00PM, Steve Dakai, Director of Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center for the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, and Program Manager for the Menominee Indian Tri, and Lydia Watts, Deputy Director of the District of Columbia Access to Justice Commission, hosted a discussion on Addressing the Holistic Needs of Crime Victims

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims with Communication or Cognitive Disabilities Training Kit, NCJ 234678?The Victims with Disabilities: A Forensic Interview-Training Techniques for Interviewing Victims wit...
Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DVD, First Response to Victims of Crime, NCJ 211619?The First Response to Victims of Crime DVD, NCJ 211619, can be ordered through the Shopping Cart sec...
Read More

How can I order the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) First Response to Victims of Crime Guidebook, NCJ 231171?The First Response to Victims of Crime: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement Officers, NCJ 231171, which ...
Read More

How can I order OVC publications and products?Many OVC publications and products are available in hardcopy and can be ordered from the National Cr...
Read More